Matthew 9 shifts the way we think about fasting—from a religious duty to a relational response. When Jesus is asked why His disciples don’t fast, He explains that fasting is for times when the Bridegroom (Himself) is absent. In other words, fasting isn’t about checking a spiritual box—it’s about longing for more of Jesus when He feels distant. It’s not rooted in routine, but in relationship.
Jesus also warns against trying to fit this new perspective into old religious habits. Fasting that honors God isn’t performative or legalistic—it’s deeply personal, motivated by hunger for God’s presence, power, and direction. If you’ve ever fasted out of obligation or guilt, Matthew 9 invites you to see it differently. Keep reading for a deeper dive into how this passage can reshape your approach to fasting and help you connect with God more meaningfully.
If you’ve ever wondered why Christians fast—or how fasting fits into your walk with God—Matthew 9 gives a direct, eye-opening answer. It’s not just about skipping meals or showing discipline. Jesus’ response in Matthew 9 reframes fasting entirely, pointing us toward a deeper purpose that often gets overlooked.
Let’s break it down.
The Scene: What Happens in Matthew 9?
In Matthew 9:14-17, Jesus is approached by the disciples of John the Baptist. They ask Him a very practical question:
“How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” (Matthew 9:14, NIV)
That question may seem simple, but behind it is confusion—and maybe even a little judgment. John’s followers and the Pharisees practiced regular fasting, a traditional way to express repentance and devotion. But Jesus’ disciples weren’t doing it. Why?
Jesus’ Surprising Response
Jesus answers with a metaphor:
“How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.” (Matthew 9:15)
Here’s what He’s saying:
- He’s the bridegroom. Jesus is comparing Himself to a groom at a wedding.
- His disciples are the guests. Weddings are times for celebration, not mourning.
- Fasting is linked to mourning or longing. But if Jesus is present, there’s nothing to mourn.
- A time for fasting will come—when He’s no longer physically with them.
So right here, Jesus reframes fasting from a ritual obligation to a relational response.
1. Fasting Is About Longing for God’s Presence
When Jesus was on earth, His disciples didn’t need to fast to feel close to God—He was with them. But after His death, resurrection, and ascension, that closeness changed. That’s when fasting would become relevant again.
Fasting isn’t just about giving something up. It’s a way to express your desire for God—your longing for more of Him in a world that often distracts or distorts.
Here’s what Jesus shows:
- Fasting is appropriate when God feels distant.
- It’s a response to spiritual hunger—not a way to earn something from God.
Think of it like this: when you’re missing someone deeply, you might lose your appetite. Fasting becomes that natural expression of yearning for Jesus’ return, His nearness, and His rule in your life and the world.
2. Fasting Without Jesus at the Center Misses the Point
In verses 16–17, Jesus keeps going:
“No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment… Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins…” (Matthew 9:16-17)
This might sound like a tangent, but it’s not. He’s warning about trying to fit His new way of life into old religious molds.
- Old garment = religious tradition without Jesus
- New patch/wine = Jesus’ teaching and presence
- Result? Ruin.
So if you’re fasting because “that’s what Christians do” or to look spiritual, you’re using an old wineskin. Jesus is saying: You need a new reason—a new understanding—for why you fast.
With Jesus, fasting becomes about:
- Longing for His return
- Realigning your heart with His
- Seeking His presence and power
- Deepening your intimacy with Him
3. What This Means for You Today
You live in a time when the bridegroom—Jesus—isn’t physically present. That means you’re in the exact place Jesus was pointing to: “Then they will fast.”
So fasting still has a powerful role today, but here’s what it should look like:
A. Motivated by Relationship, Not Religion
Ask yourself:
- Am I fasting to impress others?
- Do I think God will like me more if I fast?
- Or am I using this time to draw closer to Him?
Fasting isn’t a performance. It’s a practice to realign your heart with God.
B. A Time to Focus, Not Just Deprive
When you fast, don’t just go hungry. Use that space—meal times, cravings, downtime—to pray, read Scripture, and seek God.
Try this:
- Read Psalms during fasting. Psalm 42:1 says, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.”
- Pray for God to reveal Himself more deeply.
- Journal what God’s showing you.
C. It’s Not Just About Food
Food fasting is biblical, but you can also fast from:
- Social media
- Entertainment
- Shopping
- Anything that distracts from intimacy with God
The point isn’t what you give up. It’s what you replace it with: deeper pursuit of Jesus.
4. Biblical and Historical Support
Throughout Scripture, fasting has always had relational undertones:
- Moses fasted for 40 days when receiving the law (Exodus 34:28)—intimacy with God.
- Daniel fasted for understanding and direction (Daniel 9:3).
- Jesus fasted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2)—preparation for ministry.
Early Christians fasted too (Acts 13:2-3), not out of duty but dependence.
Even church fathers like Augustine and Martin Luther emphasized fasting as a way to focus the heart on God, not just a rule to follow.
Key Takeaways
Here’s what Matthew 9 teaches us about the true purpose of fasting:
✅ It’s about longing for Jesus, not legalism
✅ It’s a relational, not religious, act
✅ It points to the absence of Jesus’ physical presence and your desire to draw close
✅ It requires a new mindset—not old traditions
✅ It’s not for show or brownie points with God
✅ It creates space to seek, hear, and enjoy God more
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever fasted out of guilt or obligation, let Matthew 9 free you from that. Jesus isn’t looking for empty rituals. He’s inviting you to respond to His presence—and His absence—with real hunger.
When you fast, you’re not just going without. You’re leaning in. You’re saying, “Jesus, I want more of You.” That’s the kind of fasting God honors.
So next time you fast, don’t just skip a meal. Use that hunger to pray, to seek, and to connect with the One who promised, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)
And that’s the point.
10 FAQs About What Matthew 9 Teaches Us About the Purpose of Fasting
1. What does Matthew 9 teach us about the purpose of fasting?
Matthew 9 teaches that fasting is a response to the absence of Jesus—the Bridegroom. It’s not just a religious practice but a relational expression of longing for Christ when He’s not physically present.
2. Why weren’t Jesus’ disciples fasting in Matthew 9?
Jesus explained that His disciples didn’t need to fast while He was physically with them. Fasting is linked to mourning or spiritual hunger, and with Jesus present, there was no lack to express.
3. Does Matthew 9 say fasting is unnecessary?
No, it doesn’t reject fasting. It redefines its purpose. Jesus says there will be a time for fasting—when He is no longer physically present—and that’s when His followers will fast.
4. What does Jesus mean by “new wine in old wineskins” in Matthew 9?
This metaphor warns against forcing new spiritual practices into old religious systems. Jesus is showing that fasting under the new covenant has a fresh purpose—it must be centered on Him, not tradition.
5. What is the “Bridegroom” metaphor in Matthew 9?
The “Bridegroom” refers to Jesus. He compares His time on earth to a wedding celebration. Fasting would be inappropriate at a wedding, but once He’s gone, His followers will fast out of longing.
6. How should Christians fast today based on Matthew 9?
Christians should fast with the purpose of seeking Jesus, expressing dependence, and drawing near to Him. It’s not about rule-following—it’s about spiritual hunger for God’s presence and kingdom.
7. Is fasting in Matthew 9 about food only?
While the passage refers to traditional food fasting, the principle applies broadly. Fasting can include anything that creates space to seek God more intentionally—like fasting from social media or entertainment.
8. What’s the difference between religious and relational fasting?
Religious fasting focuses on rules and appearances. Relational fasting is about drawing near to God and expressing desire for Him. Matthew 9 calls us to the latter.
9. Does Matthew 9 connect fasting to repentance?
Indirectly, yes. Fasting can still be tied to repentance, but Matthew 9 emphasizes longing and spiritual hunger for Jesus more than sorrow for sin.
10. How can I start fasting with the right purpose?
Begin by asking God to reveal your need for Him. Set aside time, choose what you’ll fast from, and replace that activity with prayer, Scripture, and worship. Let the goal be more of Jesus, not religious achievement.
